Özgür Özel runs in the Istanbul Marathon: 'We will take over the administration of Turkey at the first ballot box'
CHP leader Özgür Özel, who ran 15.5 kilometers in the 47th Istanbul Marathon, stated after the race: "Istanbul is on the right and good path. But unfortunately, Turkey is heading in the opposite direction. Those who put Istanbul on the right path will hopefully take over the administration of Turkey at the first ballot box and lead it in the right direction."
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The Türkiye İş Bankası 47th Istanbul Marathon was run with the slogan "The World's Only Intercontinental Marathon." The start of the marathon was given by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel.
ÖZGÜR ÖZEL GAVE THE START
The Türkiye İş Bankası 47th Istanbul Marathon, held with the slogan "The World's Only Intercontinental Marathon," witnessed colorful scenes. The start of the race was given by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel.
Having completed the 15.5-kilometer course, Özel made statements to members of the press after the marathon.
"OUR HEARTS ARE VERY HEAVY"
In his statement, Özel said, "Our hearts are very heavy. Because this marathon is the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's marathon. It is the only marathon in the world run between two continents. The host of this marathon is watching this place from a 12-square-meter cell. Runners from all over the world came here. Marathon enthusiasts from all over the world came. As you saw while running, they take our arms and ask, 'Where is the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality?' Unfortunately, we say, 'He is in prison, but he will get out. We are running in his place.'"
"SPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT IN THIS SENSE"
"We ran together with those who came to Istanbul from all over Turkey, those who came from the world, and all the colors of Istanbul. Sport is very important in this sense. We thank all the Istanbulites who showed interest," said Özel, and continued his words as follows:
"A city's status as a global city is evident from its squares, its marathon, the international organizations held there, and the concerts given. If you look at how much Istanbul has been branding itself since 2019, Istanbul is on the right and good path. But unfortunately, Turkey is heading in the opposite direction. Those who put Istanbul on the right path will hopefully take over the administration of Turkey at the first ballot box and lead it in the right direction."